Lightweight, versatile, and discreet—we pick the leading travel cameras from compact point-and-shoots to DSLRs

An ideal travel camera is lightweight, versatile, and captures great images. Point-and-shoots are the smallest and least expensive option, but they have some limitations in terms of image quality. Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras have big sensors and are more compact than digital SLRs—any traveler should give serious consideration to going in this direction. Digital SLRs are the bulkiest and heaviest option but capture professional-grade photographs and offer the widest selection of lenses. Below are our picks for the best travel cameras of 2016. For more information, see our comparison table and buying advice after the picks.

Point-and-Shoots for Travel

The only truly pocketable camera for travel is a point-and-shoot (mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras have a noticeably larger profile). Point-and-shoots have come a long way in recent years, offering larger image sensors and popular features like built-in Wi-Fi and in-camera panorama mode and HDR. They also are the most economical choice and the lowest liability should something happen on the road.

Weight: 10.5 oz.Zoom: 28-100mmSensor size: 116 sq. mmMegapixels: 20.1What we like: A great value for an advanced point-and-shoot. What we don’t: No electronic viewfinder.

Sony has released five versions of its high-end RX100 series to date, but the original RX100 currently is still one of our favorite travel cameras. For under $400 you get a high-end point-and-shoot that does jut about everything well. Among its features are a large 20.1-megapixel sensor, a fast Carl Zeiss zoom lens, and RAW capability, all packaged in a lightweight and durable body. The most notable differences between the RX100 and the RX1000 V below are the lack of an electronic viewfinder, 4K video, and inferior autofcous, but the older model does have a longer zoom range of 28-100mm (the lens on the RX100 V is 24-70mm) and is less than half the price. If you’re looking for a small and discreet travel camera that packs big-time image quality, the Sony RX100 still is our top pick. See the Sony RX100

Weight: 7.4 oz.Zoom: 28-80mmSensor size: 116 sq. mmMegapixels: 20.2What we like: Super light and the same sensor as the pricier G5 X.What we don’t: We like a little more zoom.

Sony used to dominate the advanced point-and-shoot market, but Canon has come on strong with its PowerShot G Series cameras. The G9 X isn’t the fanciest of the bunch—the G5 X and G7 X Mark II have faster lenses and slightly more zoom—but it's compact and lightweight for travel and a great value at under $500. You don’t get features like an optical viewfinder or articulating LCD screen, but the G9 X boasts the same 1” CMOS sensor as the other two pricier models and weighs only 7.4 ounces. If you’re choosing between the G9 X and Sony RX100 above, the two cameras have identical sensor sizes and megapixels, but the Sony has 20mm of extra zoom. On the other hand, the G9 X has built-in Wi-Fi.See the Canon PowerShot G9 X

For the versatility of a DSLR or mirrorless camera without the hassle of carrying around and changing multiple lenses, some travelers decide to go the superzoom route. In this category we like the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 best, which has the same large 1” sensor as the Sony RX100 series but a whopping 25-400mm of zoom. It also shoots 4K video, which is a nice perk. What are the downsides of this camera? It’s large and heavy at 29.3 ounces, which is on par with many interchangeable-lens cameras. But you just can’t beat the convenience and versatility—the FZ1000 is a true all-in-one camera with substantially more reach than any other point-and-shoot on this list. To read about similar cameras, see our article on the best superzooms. See the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000

The Ricoh GR II is the top point-and-shoot on the market for street photography, and given that street and travel photography are closely related, we absolutely love this camera for travelers. In terms of features, the GR II boasts an extra large APS-C image sensor, the same size as most digital SLRs or mirrorless cameras and bigger than any compact from Sony or Canon. You also get a very respectable f/2.8 maximum aperture, but the kicker is that the lens is fixed at 28mm (this means that it does not zoom). 28mm happens to be a great distance for walking around major cities while traveling and even for landscapes and other big scenes. But you can’t zoom in for close-ups, which is a deal-breaker for some. The GR II is a relatively new release with the most notable addition being built-in Wi-Fi. Other than that, it’s very similar to old Ricoh GR, which had a serious cult following. See the Ricoh GR II

Weight: 10.6 oz.Zoom: 24-70mmSensor size: 116 sq. mm Megapixels: 20.1What we like: The top point-and-shoot on the market. What we don’t: You can get a great mirrorless camera for this price.

With its continued success, Sony just keeps rolling out new versions of its RX100 series. The fifth is the best and most expensive, featuring 4K video, an extremely fast burst rate at 24 frames per second, and an impressive 315-point phase detection autofocus (all previous RX100 models are contrast detection). Combined with a fast Carl Zeiss lens and pop-up electronic viewfinder, the RX100 V is perhaps the best point-and-shoot camera for travel.

Our biggest issue with the Sony RX100 V is its price tag. At around $1,000, you could get an older mid-range mirrorless camera like the Sony Alpha a6000 and a couple of lenses for less (we definitely would favor that set-up in terms of image quality). We don’t dislike this camera, it’s just not where we would spend our cash. In this series we appreciate the value of the original Sony RX100 more despite the lack of features.See the Sony RX100 V

Mirrorless Cameras for Travel

Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras were built entirely for digital, fitting DSLR-like image sensors into compact bodies. This class of digital camera is arguably the best for travel, offering outstanding image quality in a lightweight set-up. Below we’ve picked three of the best options for travel from the a6300 up to the new full-frame Sony a7R II.

Sensor size: 357 sq. mmMegapixels: 24.3Weight: 14.3 oz.What we like: Weather sealing is a huge plus for travel photography.What we don’t: Now double the cost of the a6000.Lenses:Best lenses for Sony a6300

Sony just keeps knocking it out of the park with their industry-leading mirrorless cameras. Released in 2016, the new a6300 takes the already-popular a6000 and makes a handful of notable improvements that will cement its place among the top of the mirrorless heap. On the latest model Sony added 4K video and weather sealing, both of which are features usually saved for professional-grade cameras. The a6300 also has more focus points than the a6000 and one of the fastest and most accurate autofocus systems around.

What’s not to like about the Sony a6300? Honestly, there’s not much to write about here. Sony did have some past issues with 4K video and cameras overheating on their full-frame A7S, but we expect they have worked through that by now. If anything, the price of the a6300 at around $1,150 with a kit lens is significantly steeper than the Sony a6000 at $648 with the same 16-50mm kit lens. Feel free to grab the older model and save, but we love the features and functionality on the model. See the Sony Alpha a6300

We were among the first in line to buy the Fujifilm X-T1, which represented the camera manufacturer’s first real jump into mirrorless (past models like the X-A2 were interesting but not competitive with the likes of Sony and Olympus). The X-T10 takes the same 16-megapixel image sensor and processor as the X-T1—which create fantastic images—but is available in a smaller size and a more approachable price point. For travelers, the major sacrifice is that X-T10 is not weather sealed, which can come into play if you plan on shooting outdoors in tough conditions or just don’t want to worry about your camera on the road. Both are terrific cameras but we prefer the lower price point and weight of the X-T10. Video shooters should keep in mind that this camera and others from Fujifilm definitely trail Sony in video quality (the new a6300 shoots 4K). But for stills, they just can’t be beat. See the Fujifilm X-T10

Consumers have a ton of options when shopping for an Olympus mirrorless camera, including the popular OM-D E-M1 and new OM-D E-M5 Mark II. Those cameras, however, are too expensive for casual photographers who want to stay below the $1,000 threshold. Enter the new Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, which offers top-notch image quality in a compact package that costs about $650 for the camera body or $800 with a kit lens. At only 13.8 ounces, this camera is light and easy to carry for travel and comes loaded with features like an electronic viewfinder, a tilting LCD screen, and 5-axis image stabilization. It’s a tough call between the E-M10 Mark II and the Sony a6000 above, and both are superb mid-range mirrorless cameras that make excellent travel companions. We give a slight nod to the Sony for the camera itself, but the wide variety of Micro Four Thirds lenses makes the Olympus a nice choice as well. See the OM-D E-M10 Mark II

Weight: 22.1 oz. Sensor size: 864 sq. mm Megapixels: 42.4What we like: The best mirrorless camera on the market. What we don’t: Videographers may want to look elsewhere.

If money is no object and you want hands down the best travel camera on the market, our pick is the new Sony a7R II. The original Sony a7 and a7R were impressive in their own right, but Sony has really honed it in with the a7R II. The camera features a 42.4-megapixel back-illuminated image sensor, 4K video, improved low light performance, and built-in image stabilization. In addition, the a7R II weighs considerably less than leading full-frame DSLRs like the Canon 5D Mark III (30.3 oz.) and Nikon D810 (31 oz.) and has a much smaller form factor. This all adds up to professional-grade image quality and features in a lightweight package: it’s our dream travel camera.

In terms of travel lenses for the a7R II, Sony recently released a very impressive 24-70mm f/2.8 (the previous 24-70mm lens is decent but has an f/4 maximum aperture). We haven’t had a chance to give this lens a full test, but the specs look outstanding and the focal length range is ideal for travel. Many people also use adapters on the a7R II for their Leica, Canon, or Nikon full-frame lenses. See the Sony a7R II

Digital SLRs for Travel

Digital SLRs have the largest sensors, the most precise lenses, and capture the highest overall image quality of any type of camera. They also are bulkier than mirrorless cameras or point-and-shoots and come with a higher price tag. For travel, many of the entry-level DSLRs are lightweight, offer great image quality along with features like built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. Almost all professionals use full-frame cameras that are heavy and expensive but capture exceptional images.

Digital SLRs are larger in size than their mirrorless counterparts, but it’s tough to argue with the image quality or price. For under $500, you can get Nikon’s leading entry-level DSLR with an 18-55mm lens. This camera excels for both still photography and videos, and you have Nikon’s large selection of DX-format lenses to choose from.

Compared to the older D3200, the improvements were enough to give the nod the D3300. First, Nikon removed the optical low pass filter for better sharpness. Second, they added an EXPEED 4 image processor to speed things up and improve low light performance. Finally, Nikon lightened the camera body slightly and cut the weight of the new 18-55mm VR II kit lens by 20%. This all means that the Nikon D3300 offers impressive images in a lightweight body. See the Nikon D3300

For Canon shooters, the company’s extremely popular Rebel series of digital SLRs are known for their ease of use and photo and video quality. The Canon Rebel SL1 is the lightest in the Rebel line at 13.1 ounces, and it’s a solid all-around camera for travel and daily use. You get an 18-megapixel APS-C image sensor, a large LCD screen for navigation, and Full HD 1080p video capability. If you’ve used Canon before and prefer that brand over Nikon, the Rebel SL1 is a great travel DSLR. For more features and functionality, try the slightly bulkier and more expensive Rebel T6i. See the Canon SL1

Weight:14.2 oz.Sensor size:366 sq. mmMegapixels: 24.2What we like: Nice and light for a mid-range DSLR. What we don’t: Built-in Wi-Fi but not GPS. Lenses: Best lenses for Nikon D5500

The major announcement from Nikon to kick off last year was the release of the D5500. All in all, this is an excellent mid-range DSLR with more features than the D3300 above. You get a flip-out screen with touchscreen functionality, superior autofocus, and better low light performance. For travel, we love the improved ergonomics that make the D5500 lighter in the hand than its predecessors and easier to grip. Despite all the features, the camera body weighs only 14.2 ounces, which is lighter than the D3330 and just an ounce or two heavier than some of our mirrorless camera choices above. The D5500 is about $250 more expensive than the entry-level D3300, but video shooters and those who want the jump in image quality will appreciate the differences. See the Nikon D5500

Weight: 26.8 oz.Sensor size: 856 sq. mmMegapixels: 20.2What we like: A great value for a full-frame camera.What we don’t: Only 11 cross-type focus points. Lenses: Best Lenses for Canon 6D

For those who want professional-grade image quality at a reasonable price point, give the full-frame Canon EOS 6D a serious look. This camera was released in 2013 and therefore is a little long in the tooth, but the price at around $1,500 makes it one of the best values on this list (you can get the 6D with the 24-105mm f/4L lens for about $2,100 total). We still haven’t heard an official announcement on a successor, but that may drive the 6D down even further.

What do you sacrifice with the Canon 6D compared to a pricier full-frame DSLR like the Nikon D810 below? You get fewer megapixels at 20.2 than just about any newer full-frame camera, and the autofocus isn’t as advanced with fewer cross-type focus points. This may create a challenge for action photographers, but for travel photography the 6D offers all of the image quality and functionality that most people need. See the Canon EOS 6D

Weight: 31.1 oz.Sensor size: 861 sq. mmMegapixels: 36.3What we like: The best Nikon DSLR on the market.What we don’t: Two years old and counting. Lenses:Best Lenses for Nikon D810

If you’re willing to throw out size and weight considerations and focus solely on image and video quality, the Nikon D810 is one of the premier full-frame DSLRs on the market. In 2016 Canon released the 5D Mark IV with 30.4 megapixels of resolution, but that camera still lags behind the 36.3-megapixel D810 and costs about $1,000 more (the 5D Mark IV does shoot 4K video and the D810 does not).

If you’re deciding between the Nikon D810 and Sony a7R II above for travel, keep in mind that the D810 weighs 9 ounces more and has a larger form factor but also has a much larger selection of lenses to choose from. Nikon’s FX lenses dwarf Sony’s FE collection in both number and quality, although Sony is catching up as of late. It’s a tough call between mirrorless and DSLRs at the high end, but you certainly won’t be disappointed with the D810. See the Nikon D810

Buying Advice

What Makes a Great Travel Camera?

At least in theory, any great camera should make a good travel companion. But there are certain factors to look for that make a camera ideal for travel, which we evaluate in detail below.

Size
Perhaps the most important feature of a travel camera is a compact form factor that makes it easily portable. Point-and-shoots are smallest: a quality model like the Sony RX100 weighs around 10.5 ounces and easily slides into most pockets. Mirrorless cameras are larger, approximately 1/2 the size of a digital SLR depending on the model. They won’t quite fit in a pocket but are easy to grip with one hand and have small cases that are light enough to carry throughout the day. Digital SLRs are the largest type of camera but there are some nice entry-level options like the Nikon D3300 that weigh under a pound without a lens. Mirrorless cameras are even smaller than DSLRs but pack a similar punch in terms of image quality. For travel, smaller is better and we’ve weighed that into our decisions above.

Versatility
Travel photography requires capturing images in a wide range of circumstances and sometimes unexpectedly. If you’re buying a point-and-shoot, you want a lens with a wide zoom range that will perform well in lighting conditions from bright to dim. Mirrorless cameras and digital SLRs have interchangeable lenses, so you’ll want a versatile zoom lens or a few prime lenses at common focal lengths. When traveling, I’ve used just about every focal length from wide-angle to telephoto and recommend a camera kit that can do the same.

Discreetness
The last thing you want when traveling is to be handicapped by fear of carrying or using your camera. In dense urban areas, for example, it can be uncomfortable and somewhat risky to have an expensive camera and bag of lenses knowing that someone else at your crowded café may be eyeing it. When traveling in small villages in impoverished countries, it can feel awkward and attention grabbing to break out a $3,000 full-frame DSLR (you may wish you had a smaller and more unassuming camera). The point is that you want to be able to to use your camera at all times—it doesn’t do you any good in your hotel room or backpack.

Point-and-shoots are most discreet due to their small size—I love that a common thief would likely have no idea that the Sony RX100 V or Ricoh GR II s such a nice camera. Mirrorless cameras generally look less expensive than DSLRs but clearly are the real deal. DSLRs look the most expensive due to their size but that doesn’t at all mean you shouldn’t use one—just take proper precautions to keep it safe.

Durability
Depending on the type of travel you do, a weather resistant camera may be in order. Generally, we don’t recommend rugged models, which essentially are basic point-and-shoots that have a special casing to make them waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, etc. The truth is that these cameras have small sensors and you pay a lot for the protection. The Olympus TG-4 is one of the leading rugged cameras on the market, but I prefer a cheaper point-and-shoot like the Panasonic LX-7 that offers superior image quality. The exception to this rule would be serious outdoor excursions like rafting or long overland travel to remote places where you just don’t want to think about the condition of your camera.

Reasonable care, not shooting in wet or dusty weather, and proper storage will protect most cameras just fine. However, some mid-range and high-end cameras are weather resistant and have sealed joints that make them better able to handle the elements. For more information, see our list of weather-sealed DSLRs and weather-sealed mirrorless cameras.

Resolution
Resolution easily could be the top factor in your buying decision. After all, it’s the quality of the photos that matters most. But before you shop, ask yourself how you plan on using your travel photos. If the majority will be online, any camera on the list will do just fine. If you plan on enlarging or printing your photographs or using them more seriously, the size of the image sensor, megapixel count, and your lens choices all play an important role in the quality of the photos. Some of my best photos have been taken with small cameras simply because I had them available, but these are factors to consider. You just can’t replicate a booming photo taken with a DSLR or mirrorless camera and a quality lens. Video
Video is a take it or leave it feature: some people love it, while others rarely use it and don’t need to pay extra for the functionality. Even pocket cameras capture 1080p video nowadays, but 4K is becoming much more prevalent (see the new Sony RX100 V and Sony a7R II). When buying a mirrorless camera or DSLR, features like a flip-out LCD screen are designed for shooting video, as are lenses like Canon’s STM collection. Most cameras shoot decent video, but videographers will want to make that a priority in their buying decision.

Deciding Between Camera Categories

There is no one right answer in terms of the best type of camera for travel—that depends on your budget and intended uses. But now that we’ve laid out the picks and criteria, we’ll give you our take.

Point-and-shoots are attractive because of their small size and do-all functionality, but they have limitations from an optical perspective. From my experience, point-and-shoots are best at capturing small scenes—people, indoor photos, and backgrounds that are relatively close—but struggle when things open up. These compact cameras fail to grab the small details in the distance or corners of the image that a larger camera and lens can.

Mirrorless cameras are quickly becoming our favorite option for photography on the go. They are small and easy to hold in one hand, capture top-notch images, and are fun to use. One notable downside is that many mirrorless cameras have electronic viewfinders instead of optical, which can be a little tough on the eyes during extended use in the field (not to mention not quite as accurate in our opinion). But if you want the best combination of image quality and size, grab a mirrorless camera. The Sony a6300 is an awesome model as is the new Fujifilm X-T2 (the latter is not currently on this list but may be soon). The full-frame a7R II is the cream of the mirrorless crop.

DSLRs are beginning to feel slightly outdated, although not at the top end of the camera spectrum. Professionals don’t care much about how much they have to carry—image quality reigns supreme and they are happy to haul a 10-pound camera bag with two DSLRs if it means getting the best photos. For most consumers, I would pass on an entry-level or mid-range DSLR and go mirrorless.

What about Lenses for Travel?

Once you’ve locked down your camera selection, it’s time to start thinking about travel lenses. Point-and-shoots come with an attached lens so there are no choices to be made there, but mirrorless cameras and digital SLRs have interchangeable lenses and the glass you choose can make a huge difference. Both types of cameras are offered with kit lenses that are 18-55mm, 16-50mm, or something in that range. These are decent starter options that get you out of the door and shooting photos, but are middle-of-the-road in terms of image quality. Many people supplement their lens collection at the outset of their camera purchase or sometime after.

In terms of lens selection for travel, there are two main routes you can go: 1) A versatile zoom lens that covers most of your shots; or 2) A handful or primes that can be switched out depending on your desired focal length. For either, we think of the heart of the travel photography focal length range as 24-70mm. There are great lenses with those exact focal lengths: the 24-70mm f/2.8 is the classic pro zoom, but it’s more readily available for full-frame cameras than APS-C. The good news is that APS-C prime lenses are reasonably price compared to their full-frame counterparts, so it’s not a huge financial burden to pick up a 35mm or 50mm prime to supplement your kit zoom lens.

If you are planning on shooting close-ups of faraway objects or wildlife photography, you’ll want to add a telephoto lens to your collection. Again, these are much less expensive for APS-C cameras than full frame. There also are all-in-one options of the 18-200mm and 18-300mm varieties that cover all of the focal lengths mentioned above, but they are heavy and not as good optically as specialty lenses. We’ve shot with all-in-one lenses many times, but feel that primes or zooms with smaller focal length ranges are the best way to go. For more information, see our lens reviews.

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